PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
And waking up, he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Be silent! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. (Mark 35:39)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Photo Description - Stock Photo ID: 235857250 - PRCANJ, MONTENEGRO - JUNE 08: Jesus Calms a Storm on the Sea, the Catholic Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, on June 08, 2012, in Prcanj, Montenegro - Important information. Editorial Use Only. -Photo Contributor: Zvonimir Atletic
PASTOR’S POST -
Important announcement re Gold Coast Marathon.
Please note that Sunday, July 7th, is Gold Coast Marathon weekend.
There will be no Sunday morning Mass at Stella Maris Broadbeach on that day. However, please come along to the Golden Anniversary of Fr Dan Ryan and Fr John Maher that day at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters, at 9 a.m.
What is in a name?
A lot! - Especially when it comes to personal names and place names in the Bible. The names of various people in the bible are often as significant as the events that occur to them. It is always inspiring and surprising to look up the meaning of people’s names and place names mentioned in the Bible. It adds a new level of depth and richness.
This week (Monday, June 24th) is the feast of John the Baptist's birth. Interestingly, his Mother Elizabeth’s name means “My God gives plentifully,” and Zechariah’s name means “God remembers his promises.” John, the one who is to proclaim the coming of the Messiah, has a name that means “God has shown favour.”
In many ways, this is just what has happened here.
God has remembered his faithfulness and promises and showered his graciousness upon this couple who trusted his promises. From before his birth, John is now blessed and appointed to be the one who prepares the way of the Lord, who will shower upon God’s people the favours and graces of God. John is an outstanding figure of righteousness, faithfulness and austerity. He was utterly faithful to the promises of God and was a graced figure who called all people to repent and prepare for the Lord’s coming. John’s faithfulness to the message led to his martyrdom, and Jesus knew that a worse ending was inevitable for himself, too. However, faithfulness to the will of the Father would draw him to victory that the world can never fully comprehend. Trusting God’s promises and faithfulness in good times and bad is good.
This feast is timed to be exactly six months before Christmas, as indeed, John was born six months before Our Lord.
Fr Paul
JUBILEE MASS CELEBRATION -Fr John Maher and Fr Dan Ryan
Fr John Maher and Fr Dan Ryan are celebrating their 50th Anniversary of Priesthood this year. To give thanks for the blessings God has given us through their ministries, you are invited to a Golden Jubilee Mass for Fr Dan and Fr John at Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Queensland 4226, on Sunday, July 7th, at 9 a.m. Refreshments will follow.
All are welcome. God bless.
DATE CLAIMER - MEN’S BEREAVEMENT GROUP
Friday, 26 July 2024, 12:30 pm, at the Parish Hospitality Centre—a low-key, friendly opportunity to gather and receive input from a facilitator. Further gatherings for support and fellowship are possible.
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PLEASE FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOULS OF BELOVED PARISHIONERS.
June Mye passed away after a very brief illness. She is known to many at the 9 a.m. Sunday Mass at Sacred Heart from the Piety Stall and her friendly smile and wave from her chair near the piety stall.
And Celia Carvell, who only recently moved to Western Australia with her husband. Celia passed away suddenly. May they now rest in the peace of God’s Heavenly Kingdom.
June Mye: and Celia Carvell:
DATE CLAIMER - OFFICIAL INSTALLATION MASS FOR FR PAUL AS PARISH PRIEST - BY HIS GRACE, ARCHBISHOP MARK COLERIDGE
Installation of Parish Priest – Fr Paul
Saturday 31st August 2024
Start: 9.30 am
Mass for the Installation of Parish Priest – Fr Paul
Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 50 Fairway Drive. Clear Island Waters. Qld 4226
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The Ordination Mass for Fathers Bradley Davies and Michael My Van Tran -
video online here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLO0dzcrTVg
RECLAIM RETREAT FOR ADULTS 18-30
Reclaim Retreat is 3 days and 2 nights to get out of town, meet up with friends, make some new ones and make space for God. When was the last time you gave yourself space to rest? To restore not just your body but your mind, your soul, and your heart. And when you aren’t rushing, unplugged and unoccupied – what will God say to you? Open to young adults 18-30.
Where: Coolum Beach, When: 5-7 July, Who: Young Adults 18-30, Cost: $175pp
More details available at https://tinyurl.com/ReclaimRt24
SYNOD 2024 - BRISBANE ARCHDIOCESE
In preparation for SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New, a short video has been created. The video includes a pastoral message from the Archbishop on his vision for the Synod and a short FAQ discussion with myself as Synod Chair and Steph Unger, the Synod Executive Officer. The video can be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/957389678
1: SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New will be held in September and October.
2: Fr Paul, Fr Morgan Batt and parishioner Robyn Hunt are among the representatives who will attend the Synod.
3: Our Archdiocesan synod is the next step on the Plenary Council journey and will discern practical and measurable actions that we will take as an Archdiocese to implement the focus areas (Decrees) that came out of the Plenary Council.
4: We are all asked to pray for those participating in the synod.
5: At the end of June, resources for parishes and communities to engage in synodal and spiritual conversations will be available. These resources will include simple versions of the Plenary Council Decrees and guided questions so the community can discern actions it would like to take to be a more co-responsible church on mission.
6: In July and August, a series of presentations will be given around the Archdiocese on synodality and its meaning for the global church and our own community. Information on these presentations will be available in the next two weeks.
7: To find out more about SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New and the focus areas that came out of the Plenary Council, head to http://aobsynod2024.com
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit's creativity will lead us to renewed participation in the life and ministry of the Church and that the Holy Spirit will fill the hearts of all the faithful, inspiring us to walk together in the hope, joy, and the mission of the Risen Christ.
MenAlive Conference: menALIVE MAX 24 event
An opportunity to attend this annual event for men -
At the Carmelite Retreat House in Varroville, Sydney, from Friday, July 19, to Sunday, July 21.
For more information, please contact - Christopher (Chris) Kennedy | MSpDir. Member |
menALIVE National Ministry Team.
Mobile: +61 412 270 828 Email: cbk1957@hotmail.com
Visit the website: https://menalive.org.au/
To tune in to The Weekend Mass (the sound podcast), please regularly visit the link below to listen to the Mass (including the sermon) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish. Please see this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - (It is updated at intervals just before the following Sunday or Feastday - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk.
Ecumenical Interfaith Presentation
by Evangelisation Brisbane - Date and time- Saturday, 13 July 2024. 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Hanly Room, Francis Rush Centre, 196 Charlotte Street, Brisbane
Description
“The credibility of the Christian message would be much greater if Christians could overcome their divisions… We must never forget that we are pilgrims journeying alongside one another.”(Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium #244, 2013)
“Interreligious dialogue is a necessary condition for peace in the world, and so it is a duty for Christians as well as other religious communities.” (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium #250, 2013)
How do these words of Pope Francis relate to you as a Catholic in 2024?
Do you provide religious instruction in State Schools? Do you work or visit aged care facilities or hospitals where residents come from various faith backgrounds?
Do you teach the Study of Religion in Years 11 and 12? Are you a teacher or educational leader in a Catholic or other faith-based school?
Do you have a family member, friend or work colleague from another Christian Church or Faith community?
Are you just interested in learning more about the Catholic Church’s position on relations with other Christians and people of other faiths and want to know what is happening in Queensland?
You are invited to a free presentation on Saturday, July 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon in the Hanly Room, Francis Rush Centre, 196 Charlotte Street, Brisbane. This presentation will be live-streamed for people across Queensland who cannot attend in person.
You may like to organise a group of friends or parishioners to do this together.
Certificates of attendance can be provided for anyone who may need them as proof of professional development participation.
For further information, please contact Margaret Naylon (Brisbane Archdiocese) at naylonm@bne.catholic.net.au
SYNOD24: I AM MAKING ALL THINGS NEW.
Brisbane Archdiocese is just over three months out from Synod 2024
SYNOD24 is about discerning action plans to help the Archdiocese implement the areas of focus (Decrees) from the Plenary Council. A brief explanation of each area of focus (Decree) can be found here: https://aobsynod2024.com/plenary-council-resources/
SYNOD24 will be held on two days in September and two days in October, where approximately 150 people representing the diversity of the Archdiocese will discuss, debate and vote on the proposed practical and measurable action plans. Synod Members must attend all four days. More information on SYNOD24 can be found here: https://aobsynod2024.com/what-is-synod24/
Plenary Council Decree 7 requires all dioceses and eparchies to have a synod by the end of 2025. SYNOD24 is our response to this requirement. You can download all Plenary Council Decrees here: https://aobsynod2024.com/plenary-council-resources/
SYNOD24 honours the significant level of broad consultation, listening and discerning that has taken place throughout the Plenary Council journey (since 2018) and is the next step of this process. Over March, April and May, consultations have focused on voices that had not been heard previously: those on the margins, experts and experienced practitioners. This is to ensure the action plans are practical and measurable, reflect the needs of our Archdiocese, and truly reflect the responses submitted throughout the Plenary Council process. To remind yourself of the Plenary Council journey since 2018, head here: https://aobsynod2024.com/what-is-synod24/
For all other information regarding SYNOD24, head to www.aobsynod2024.com
For SYNOD24: I Am Making All Things New,.
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit's creativity will lead us to renewed participation in the life and ministry of the Church and that the Holy Spirit will fill the hearts of all the faithful, inspiring us to walk together in the hope, joy, and the mission of the Risen Christ. Lord, hear us.
Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au.
Please use the information in the table below to begin or continue the faith journey with your child.
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
“TAP `N” GO CASHLESS DONATIONS -
AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF THREE CHURCHES - tap once to donate $10, tap again (when it has reset) for another $10, and so on.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Please also pray for the following who are ill. (Alphabetical)
Milroy Antony, Tricia Baumann, Pamela Caralis, Nadia Che, Tina Conidi, Ellanie Conzalez, Alfonso Covino, Shirley Croft, Lorraine Gallagher, Barbara Gilbert, Maurice Goss, Kevin Junee, Kath Kiely, Jan Kristenson, Nathan Lepp, Michael Tiger McCormick, Bill McGuigan, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Denis Mullins, Margaret Orme, Letty O’Sullivan, Carmela Parente, Rachel Raines, Bob Rogers, Brenda Stewart, Betty Taylor, Denise Tracey, Christine Watkins, Billy Webb.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Vince Shanahan, Grant Talbot Davenport, Nino Mianto, June Mye, Sally Gage, Maura Bagtas, Celia Carvell (WA), Juliaa Eloreo, Lisbeth Pereira, Patricia Richardson, Amparo Pieters, Diane Land, Des Walsh, Lois Wood, Joanna Martha Edwards. (Known as Joan), Rosemarie Cocks, Bill McDermott, Santiago Canada, Marina Innocenti, Adoracion Santos Lapitan, Joseph Torbey, Jacqueline Rillo, Helena Nycz, Frank Cassidy, John William Worner (WA).
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Linda Marilyn Arlington, Mons Michael Baldwin, Dragica Bosiljevac, Fr A. Joseph Butler, Polly Cummins, Mary Josephine Dillon, Ines Vittoria Fauretto, Albert Garske, Fr John Gleeson, Maureen Glenn, Jabour Haddad, Norma Ruth Hanley, Barry Thomas Haug, Fr James Henry, Joseph Anthony (Joe) Hilton, Fr Alfred Hogan, Gannon, John, Joseph Kania, Mons Edmund Keating, Fr John Kitts, Lynette Lesley Larking, Fr William Livingston, Antoninette (Toni) Moon, Charles Henry Nolan, Ralph Smith Pownall, John Gerard (jnr) Robinson, Brian Aubrey Swaddling, Fr Joseph Troy, Francis Weston, Ted Woodhead, Edward (Ted) Woodhead.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Raymond Victor Assaisso, Dragica Bosiljevac, Fr A. Joseph Butler, Sr Christine Chia, Robert Samuel Conn, John Cooper, Polly Cummins, Mary Josephine Dillon, Ronald Donovan, Rainer Empen, Reuben Empen, Fr Michael Fallon, James William Fuller, John Gannon, Albert Garske, Fr John Gleeson, Dorothy May Joan Gray, Jabour Haddad, Kel Hamilton, Norma Ruth Hanley, Barry Thomas Haug, Anne Mary Hawes, Fr James Henry, Joseph Anthony (Joe) Hilton, Helena Barbara Hodges, Fr Alfred Hogan, Mons Edmund Keating, Lynette Lesley Larking, Cheryol Claudette Lewis, Teck Lim, Anthony Teck Lee Lim, Amelia Catherine Limbert, Fr William Livingston, Pearl Agnus MacCartney, Roza Masa, Anthony James (Tony) McCudden, Mons Timothy Molony, Antoninette (Toni) Moon, Benjamin Joseph Moore, Elma Luigia Moro, Leroy Bevan Muir, Charles Henry Nolan, Emilio Parolin, Ljuban Pilic,Gus and Mary Reeves, Paul Patrick Reeves, Arthur John Springthorpe, Brian Aubrey Swaddling, James Mark Tamai, Luke Dermot Tansey, Hedy Triffett, Fr Joseph Troy, Ellen Walker, Francis Weston, John Wood, Ted Woodhead, Edward (Ted) Woodhead, Rita Woodhouse, Cornel Zarie, Grazyna Zyner.
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY -
HELP THE PRIESTS OF THE DEANERY RESPOND TO URGENT CALLS EFFECTIVELY BY CALLING THE FOLLOWING PARISHES' FIRST RESPONDERS TO NEEDS WITHIN THE HOSPITALS LISTED.
To efficiently and speedily deal with the pastoral needs around the Catholic parishes of the Gold Coast, the parishes within this Deanery have the practice of having the first call for emergencies go to the priests of the parish where the hospital is located. Here is a helpful guide to the hospitals and their attendant priests. A nursing home call also follows this procedure, where the first priest to call is a priest from the parish within which the Nursing Home is located. Please help us service the region effectively and help prevent delays in response by calling the nearest parish.
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish. 5576 6466
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish. 56717388
John Flynn Hospital - Coolangatta-Tugun Parish. 5598 2165
University & Gold Coast Private Hosp.- Southport Parish. 5510 2222
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
An excellent variety of religious goods is available for everyone; visit your local shop today at either Sacred Heart or St Vincent’s Churches, which are open before and after Mass. Watch out for new stock arriving in July.
SACRED HEART ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
Please join us to pray the Divine Mercy and Rosary each day at 8:15 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church before 9 a.m. Mass, Monday through Friday, including First Saturdays.
ANOINTING MASS - MASS OF HEALING FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
2/7/24 at 10 am Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Followed by morning tea. Please let others know who would love to come along.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday, 5/7/24, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678. "Could you not watch one hour with Me" Mt 26:4
FIRST SATURDAY MASS AND BENEDICTION
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. 9 am (tomorrow) Saturday - 6/7/24 Followed by adoration and Benediction. {This is a votive Mass for the Blessed Virgin Mary}.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays from 9 am to 12 noon. Activities include
Art (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing, etc.)
Various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Card making, Sewing, etc.)
Making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions)
And any other activities that individuals may have an interest in or you can bring in your ideas
A very relaxing and social environment - meet new friends! You are most welcome to join.
For further information, phone John 0412 759 205 or the Parish Office.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB-
Meets at the Sacred Heart - Parish Hospitality Centre, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.
Playing Bridge keeps your brain active and increases your social network! So why not give us a try? Learn to play Bridge at “Our Friendly Club” - Free Lesson. “Introduction to Bridge” - It is Easy to learn the format. No previous card-playing experience is necessary. All are welcome. For more information and to enrol, please phone Cheryl at 5538 8821 or Mob at 0417 772 701.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE -
Join us for our social class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. Learn to relax yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration while increasing your breath support and general well-being. Ruth is an IYTA-accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session costing $10 (new attendees, please arrive by 10:30 a.m. to prepare adequately for class). For more information, call Ruth on 0421338110.
OUR LADY’S STATUE -
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish -
Details of the Statue of Our Lady are going around the Parish.
If you want her in your home and say the Rosary,
Please contact Maxine or Pat on 0412 519 404.
Our Lady’s Statue details for the next several weeks are
26/06/2024 Suzanne Joseph & Family - Robina
01/07/2024 Suzanne Joseph & Family - Robina
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH -
Join Rochelle for a fun, functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low-impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65’s. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome. Contact Rochelle for further information on 0438 333 308.
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
The Bible Study Prayer Group meets every Thursday from 5-6 pm at St Vincent’s Church,
(40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise). Come along and read/study Break Open the Word
weekly from 5 pm to 6 pm. For further enquiries, contact Ashley at 0409840693.
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP
The meditation group meets in the Morris prayer room on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. It would very much like to welcome new members. Please phone Pam Egtberts at 0493742670.
PRAYER GROUP - SPANISH SPEAKER
Jesus de la Misericordia. Invites you to participate every 2nd Saturday of the month from 11 am to 2 pm. Place: Hospitality Room. Sacred Heart Church. “We praise, We praise, We grow spiritually from the Word of the Lord.” For more information, please ring Grace: 0410 006 484.
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers/
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires conducting working with children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people (0 - 18 years) or vulnerable adults. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for abusing children or vulnerable adults.
YEAR OF PRAYER - RESOURCE
‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour’ (Luke 1:46,47)
Mary’s lips sing a hymn of ancient and ever-new praise! This explosion of joy swells up from the depths of her soul as she contemplates the saving works of God. Yes, God has done mighty things in the past, demonstrating His holiness and power. However, what He is doing right now primarily inspires her joyful hymn. In the secret of her womb, the world's Saviour is hidden. All generations will indeed call you blessed, dear mother, for in you and through you, the greatest of all God’s mighty deeds is unfolding.
As Christians, we, too, are called to share in Mary’s hymn of praise and rejoicing. It’s true that we cannot always live in a state of ecstatic joy. Mary likewise experiences both joys and sorrows. Corresponding to the ‘Magnificat’ is the ‘Stabat Mater’. Her soul is to be pierced by unimaginable grief as the Lord of life is put to death on the Cross. Nevertheless, Mary is a hope-filled and joyful figure. She believes that God will fulfil all that He has promised.
As we walk life's journey, we will encounter our share of sorrows. Like Mary, however, we are called to be a people of praise and joy. The hymn of Mary can be a template for our own praise and joy. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, for the same God who inspired Mary’s hymn is present with me. He favours me, both in my joys and sorrows, and He has done great things for me. Holy is His Name!
By Fr Michael Grace
https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/year-of-prayer/
A VOCATION VIEW:
Why are you terrified? Why are you lacking in faith?” If God is calling you, don’t let fear stop you. (Mark 4:35-41). Jesus says, “Quiet now! Be Calm! To the strong winds in today’s Gospel. How often do we allow Jesus to calm the distractions in our lives that make it difficult for us to trust in Him, who calls even the wind to be quiet?
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“He asked them, ‘Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith? ’” – Mark 4:40
Do you trust God? Is God your first choice or last resort? Is your faith something you just do on Sunday, or do you live the Gospel message every day of the week? Many of us know about God. How many of us have a personal relationship with Him? Start now, open your heart to receive our Lord. Talk and listen to Him every day. Move your discipleship from head knowledge to heart knowledge.
The vision of Stewardship applies to every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous, and accountable for what they have been given.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH -
WORD OF THE WEEK
Servant Songs -
Viewed as predictors of the vocation of Jesus, poems or oracles from the prophecies of Isaiah (42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-11; 52:13–53:12). The songs refer to the faithful servant of God who is entrusted with a mission to his community and the nation and the suffering servant: rejected, beaten, and facing death because of his challenging message.
CONTEXT
Through the Servant’s ministry, the “bruised reed” will be strengthened, and the “dimly burning wick” will be inflamed. —Graziano Marcheschi, M.A. D.Min.
The fourth song is the famous "Suffering Servant" of Isaiah. It is a remarkable passage because it suggests . . . that God accepts one individual's suffering to atone for the sins of others. —Lawrence Boadt, C.S.P., Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction
WHY IT MATTERS
Jesus has favourite scripture passages that he uses in his teaching. Deuteronomy and the Books of Prophecy score highest in frequency. But as Jesus "grows in wisdom, age, and grace," it's conceivable that he understands his earthly mission through the Servant Songs of Isaiah that sing of the Messiah who comes not to rule but to suffer for the world's sin.
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church (713): The Messiah's characteristics are revealed above all in the Servant Songs. These songs proclaim the meaning of Jesus' Passion and show how he will pour out the Holy Spirit to the many. Taking our death upon himself, he can communicate to us his own Spirit of life.
RELATED WORDS
Oracle | Suffering Servant | Messiah
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Is Jesus the Messiah?
The word Messiah has a complex history. Between Messiah and Christ—meaning "anointed"—lies a thousand years of evolving expectations. Messiahs aren’t the only biblical saviours. Moses, the judges, Nehemiah, Ezra, and even Queen Esther are considered saving figures. Israel needs frequent rescue, so the Bible contains many rescuers. Add to this gallery the biblical kings. Messianism reaches its height with Judah’s second king, David. David’s lineage is endowed with an everlasting anointing. Davidic kings don’t “save the world”; they are supposed to keep Judah safe. The problem is, they don’t.
The prophet Isaiah reboots messianic hope when he predicts a Messiah loyal to God, who establishes justice and peace. All nations have a stake in his Messiah. Yet, Isaiah's Servant Songs add a sober note: This Messiah will come in humility and go the way of suffering. Other prophets embrace this vision. So does Jesus!
—Alice Camille, from Questions Catholics
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST (JUNE 24)
Respond to your deepest calling
The name John means “God’s gift,” and such was the Baptist. From the moment he came on the preaching scene, he proved himself a powerful, captivating herald of God. His bold, dramatic, austere, and uncompromising style is what many people had in mind when they hoped for a Messiah. But John understood that his role was to prepare the way for the One who was to come, the light of our salvation.
FAITH IN ACTION
John’s prophetic witness and commitment to his call are his legacy to us. Share in his gift by being true to your own Christian calling.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
(as at 13th May 2024)
Anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 can pass the virus to others.
While isolation is no longer a legal requirement, staying at home protects the people in your community if you test positive for COVID-19.
If you test positive, you should not visit high-risk settings like hospitals and aged and disability care settings:
for at least 7 days or until symptoms have gone
unless seeking immediate medical care.
To help protect those around you, we recommend:
avoiding contact with people who are at higher risk of severe disease
wearing a mask outside the home
working from home where possible
avoiding going to school, public areas, or travelling on public transport, in taxis or ride-share services
practising good hygiene
following your local health department’s advice when leaving home.
If you have any appointments you cannot miss (e.g., a doctor's visit, family violence service, or police), let them know in advance that you have COVID-19.
If you feel unwell or need COVID-19 advice for someone in your care, call the Health Direct helpline at 1800 022 222 to speak with your health provider or a nurse.
If you develop symptoms such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain, call triple zero (000) immediately. Tell the call handler and the paramedics on arrival if you have COVID-19.
Manage your symptoms:
Most people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all (asymptomatic).
You can manage these symptoms with over-the-counter medication.
HOMILY: 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1696437403 - HRASNO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - MAY 01, 2019: Jesus Calms a Storm on the Sea, Shrine of the Our Lady Queen of Peace in Hrasno, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Important information - Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor- Zvonimir Atletic
*Prologue- (Fr Paul Kelly)
"Jesus was asleep in the boat; how few souls there are that let him have his sleep out! He can't always be doing all the work, responding to all the calls made upon him; so for my own part I am content to leave him undisturbed. I dare say he won't make his presence felt till I start out on the great retreat of eternity; I don't complain of that, I want it to happen… our Lord doesn't supply me with provisions for my journey – he just gives me food unexpectedly when and as I need it." [St Thérèse Lisieux (1873-1897)]
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I have never had much luck with boats.
One time, while on Lake Cootharaba (a lake on the Noosa River) in a tin boat, we were coming close to the pier, and the boat's pilot yelled out to me, "Quickly, jump out, and moor the boat!"
I had always been taught that the captain must be obeyed, so I immediately leapt out of the boat. Sadly, the captain had meant, 'When the boat gets close enough to the pier, please jump out and help moor it.' The boat was not close enough to the pier when I automatically leapt out and promptly disappeared into the lake, but not before hitting my chin on the pier as I fell into the water. The whole thing could have been disastrous (even fatal), so I was very much relieved to discover that my head must be made of concrete because I leapt back up out of the water, which was thankfully only three feet deep at the pier, and emerged sheepishly, and not too badly injured - even if a little sore and sorry.
Later, I was lying in the back of the boat, half-dazed and injured, as they took me back to the other side of the lake, and I thought about how Jesus had lain in the back of a boat as it crossed another river. I was in such a dazed state, I began musing on ponderous topics….. such as this…."I reckon Jesus would have been calm even if the storm had not quietened and even if the boat had sunk." This is because Jesus was totally and utterly at one with his Heavenly Father and had surrendered his will and trust in his Father's will. So, come what may in his life and ministry, he was content to be calm and rest in God's will."
For my part, I vowed to be very hesitant to leap into or out of a boat anytime soon!
Not many of us would be fast asleep in a small boat as it is tossed around like a cork on a stormy sea! Jesus must have been extremely exhausted, needing rest, and also fearless. We may think the disciples should have had strong faith after the miracles they had witnessed. When we are going through difficult times, we, too, can quickly forget that Jesus is always there with us.
Jesus calms even what seems like the most unconquerable disturbances, just like the storm at sea.
How many times have we experienced storms in our lives and thought that the Lord was asleep, that God was not concerned, that God was simply ignoring us? The Gospel today tells us that God is always aware of what is happening in our lives, even when He seems asleep, unconcerned and uncaring. The Gospel invites us to a deep level of trust in our God. God loves us and cares for us always and will not let us perish. We don't always understand the ways of God—and that should never surprise us. God sees all and knows all, and our vision and knowledge is so restricted!
The first reading today, from the Book of Job, is part of our learning about the divine also. Job finally realises that God is God—and Job understands so little of all reality. We also must learn that lesson. We can easily think that we know what is best in any situation. So, we don't pray or ask God to give us wisdom and understanding. We also need to repent, as Job does at the end of the Book of Job. We stand in the Almighty's presence and think we have more wisdom and knowledge than the Almighty! Again, we can reflect on our personal image of God and of the power of God."
What "storms" assail my faith? How do I look to Jesus to quiet my fears? The disciples wonder, "Who then is this whom even wind and the sea obey?"; How can I go beyond the "signs" of faith and grasp who Jesus is daily?
Life is a challenge. Couples sometimes struggle with their relationships. Parents have to deal with their children growing up in a world that is sometimes hostile to the values we hold sacred. Kids sometimes live with parents who don't necessarily understand the distant horizons that call for a new generation. Every life has its storms that come up and threaten to sink our boats. Doesn't God care that we feel tossed about and lost? Can we believe Jesus is snoozing on a cushion with us in our boat? We are confident and trusting that he will awaken to our calls and calm the storms that frighten us so?
"Why, therefore, be disturbed? Your heart is agitated by the world's tribulations, as the boat in which Jesus Christ was asleep... This boat in which Jesus Christ is sleeping is your heart in which faith is slumbering. What news do you hear, O Christian, what news do you hear?" —AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO (354-430)
"When he established the heavens, I was there, when he drew a circle on the face of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when he established the fountains of the deep when he assigned to the sea its limit so that the waters might not transgress his command when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him." —PROVERBS 8:27-30
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References:
Homily – Fr Paul W. Kelly
Image Credit: Shutterstock licensed image ID: 235857250. PRCANJ, MONTENEGRO - JUNE 08: Jesus Calms a Storm on the Sea, the Catholic Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, on June 08, 2012, in Prcanj, Montenegro. By Zvonimir Atletic
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To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk
INSPIRATION FROM THE SAINTS:
Birth of St John the Baptist
Give birth to possibilities
Today is the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, one of the earliest feast days established in the church. John the Baptist is the only person outside of Jesus and Mary whose birth is honoured with a feast day, indicating his importance. His unlikely birth to the aged Elizabeth has long been a popular subject for artists. It has miraculous parallels to the birth of Isaac (born to the aged Sarah and Abraham) and Christ himself (born to a virgin). Let John’s birth remind you that God continuously brings forth life out of seemingly impossible situations.
MEMORIAL OF CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Everyone needs a mother’s love
Saint Cyril of Alexandria died on this day in 444. He is remembered for many things—admittedly not all of them good—as the archbishop of his city, which was at the height of its influence over the Mediterranean world during his time. One of his most enduring legacies was his hard-fought teaching on Mary as the “Mother of God,” which created the basis for all other theology about Mary. Saints aren’t perfect, and neither was Cyril—the man who helped connect us to a tender, loving mother in Mary, he also committed acts of violence and injustice. Perhaps his deep flaws illustrate how much we all—even saints who champion Mary—need her constant intercession.
MEMORIAL OF IRENAEUS, BISHOP, MARTYR
For Irenaeus, the Incarnation says as much about the redeemed as it does our Redeemer. Yes, Christian doctrine teaches that Jesus Christ is fully human and divine. And, yes, Irenaeus battled the heresy known as Gnosticism—which emphasised the divine nature of Jesus at the expense of his humanity. But for Irenaeus, the Incarnation also meant that the “glory of God is a human being fully alive.” He believed that God became human so that humans might become divine. How will you choose to be “fully alive” today to glorify God?
SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES
You might think that the two foundational giants of the Christian tradition who share a feast day would have been best buddies. Still, Peter and Paul had their differences, especially around the question of whether people who weren’t Jews needed to observe Jewish Law to become followers of Jesus. It is not entirely clear whether they fully reconciled their differences before they were both martyred in Rome (on the same day, tradition says), though it is clear that Paul’s position carried the day over time. Perhaps there’s a message for today’s divided church—we can disagree with one another, even on matters of great importance, and still rest together in the same great tradition.
THE POPE
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Photo Description - Stock Photo ID: 2443325711- Rome, Italy 29.03.2024: Pope Francis celebrates the ceremony of the Celebration of the Passion of God at the Altare della Confessione, St. Peter's Basilica for Easter Holy Week 2024 - Important information: Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Marco Iacobucci Epp
Pope Francis’ preface to Father James Martin’s book on Lazarus
Father James Martin, the author of many other books that I know and appreciate, deserves our gratitude for this new text devoted to what he calls “Jesus’s greatest miracle”: the resurrection of Lazarus. Many reasons to thank him are closely tied to how Come Forth unfolds. It’s always fascinating and never predictable.
First and foremost, Father James makes the biblical text come alive. He analyses it with the eyes and erudition of a diverse set of writers who have probed this passage deeply, capturing their many facets, emphases, and interpretations. But his reading is always “loving,” never detached, nor coldly scientific. Father James has the perspective of someone who has fallen in love with the Word of God. Reading the careful arguments and exegeses of the biblical scholars he cites made me wonder how often we approach Scripture with the “hunger” of a person who knows that that word really is the Word of God.
The fact that God “speaks” should give us a little jolt each and every day. The Bible truly is the nourishment we need to handle our lives. It’s the “love letter” that God has sent—since long ago—to men and women living in every time and place. Treasuring the Word, loving the Bible, carrying it with us every day, with a little book of the Gospel in our pockets, maybe even pulling it up on our smartphones when we have an important meeting or a difficult encounter or a moment of unease…actions like these will help us grasp the extent to which Scripture is a living body, an open book, a vibrant witness to a God that is not dead and buried on the dusty shelves of history. Instead, Scripture journeys with us always, even today—and it walks with you, too, who are now opening this book, perhaps intrigued by this well-known story whose deep, full meaning has nevertheless not been understood by everyone.
What’s more, these pages contain one of the truths of Christianity that always stays current and that remains fruitful. The Gospel is concrete and eternal; it has just as much to do with our inner being and our interior life as it does with history and daily life. Jesus didn’t just talk about eternal life—he gave it to us. He didn’t just say “I am the resurrection”; he also resurrected Lazarus, who’d been dead for three days.
Christian faith is the ever-present co-mingling of the eternal and the contingent, of heaven and earth, of the divine and the human—never one without the other. If our faith were just “earthly,” what would distinguish it from any well-intentioned philosophy, well-structured ideology or well-developed mode of thought? That remains simply that—a theory detached from the times and history? If Christianity were just concerned with the “after” or with eternity alone, this would be a betrayal of the choice that God carried out once and for all, casting His lot with all of humanity. The Lord did not “pretend” to incarnate. He chose to enter human history so that the history of men and women might take the form of the Kingdom of God, the time and place where peace sprouts, hope becomes substantial, and love brings life.
All of us, then, are Lazarus. Rooting himself firmly in the Ignatian tradition, Father Martin brings us directly into the story of this friend of Jesus. We’re His friends, too—“dead” as we sometimes are on account of our sins, our failings and infidelities, the despondency that discourages us and crushes our spirits. Jesus is hardly afraid to get close to us—even when we “reek” like a dead body that’s been buried for three days.
No, Jesus isn’t afraid of our death or our sin. He waits just outside the closed door of our hearts, that door that only opens from within, that we lock with a double bolt whenever we think God could never forgive us. But as we read James Martin’s detailed analysis, we can practically feel the profound meaning of what Jesus does when He finds Himself before a dead man who is really dead, whose body gives off a nasty odour—a metaphor for the moral rot that sin produces in our souls. Jesus isn’t scared of coming close to sinners—to any sinner, even the most brazen and undaunted. He has one single preoccupation: that no one goes missing, that none are deprived of the possibility of feeling His Father's loving embrace.
It’s interesting that even a well-known contemporary novelist like Cormac McCarthy, who died in 2023, lingered over the question of what the “work of God” might be. One of the characters in Cities of the Plain (1998) says: “He believed in God even if he was doubtful of men’s claims to know God’s mind. But that a God unable to forgive was no God at all.” That’s exactly right: God’s “job” is to forgive.
Reading Father James Martin’s book also made me remember a line by Alberto Maggi, an Italian Bible scholar. He wrote about the raising of Lazarus like this: “What Jesus teaches us with this miracle is not so much that the dead rise, but that the living do not die!” What a wonderful insight, and what a paradox! Of course, the dead rise, but how true it is to recall that we, the living, never die! Yes, death does come, not just for us, but for our families and those dear to us—for everyone, really.
We see so much death all around, unjust and painful death, death caused by war, by violence, by Cain’s abuse of power toward Abel. But we men and women are destined for eternity. All of us are. Each of us is a “half-line” or “ray,” to borrow a concept from geometry: We each have a starting point—our birth on this planet—but our lives all point toward the infinite. Yes, that’s right, toward infinity! What Scripture calls “eternal life” is the life that awaits us after death. It’s the life we can already touch right here and right now, as long as we dwell not in the egoism that saddens us but in the love that widens, that dilates our hearts. We are made for eternity.
The resurrection of Lazarus—whom we know is our friend, thanks to this book by James Martin—reminds us of that fact and bears witness to it.
– Francis, Vatican City, March 11, 2024
© Dicastero per la Comunicazione – Libreria Editrice Vaticana
This is the preface to Lazzaro, vieni fuori, by James Martin, S.J., published by Libreria Editrice Vaticana, the Italian-language translation of Come Forth (HarperOne).
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
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St Kevin’s Catholic School, Community business directory: https://www.sk.qld.edu.au/Pages/Rainbow-Connection.aspx
Acknowledgement of Country - This is Kombumerri Country - The Traditional Custodians of this region.
We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this country. We pay our respects to the Kombumerri people, the traditional custodians of the land, waterways and seas upon which we live, work and socialise throughout this Catholic Parish of Surfers Paradise. We acknowledge Elders, past and present and emerging, as they hold our Indigenous people's memories, traditions, culture and hopes. We pay tribute to those who have contributed to the community's life in many ways. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. (See further: The Kombumerri People and https://kombumerritogetherproject.com/digital-resources/yugambeh-language/)
** The significance of the ancient Catholic Blessing Symbol. “20 C+M+B 24”
An ancient medieval practice that developed in the Catholic Church was to bless one’s home with blessed chalk at the yearly epiphany. On the door or the lintel will be this symbol:
This means that 2000 years ago, after Christ’s birth, Wise Men visited and gave homage to the Lord and were welcomed into the hospitality of the Holy Family’s abode. We dedicate the present year of this century, ‘24, to the protection of the Lord. May the Lord bless this abode.
The letters C+M+B represent Caspar, Bathasar and Melchior; the three Wise Men. CMB is also the initials of the Latin phrase “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” - “May Christ Bless this dwelling place.”
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